Whiskers on : off ? Competition horses

[racebuddy]

Obviously through lockdown no shows so horses were allowed to be roughed off
Always had show horses / workers and showjumpers

show horses And workers always had there whiskers off

but ive always left the showjumpers on

now just hace showjumping horses i always leave there whiskers on ,

full clip and face but leave legs and whiskers on

what does everybody else do ?

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I wouldn’t cut my cats whiskers off so I never ever touch my horses

 

[PSD]

On, can’t stand it when they are cut off. They are there for a reason, we wouldn’t cut a cat or dogs whiskers so why cut a horses? Hate it.

 

[ihatework]

I have no qualms, and indeed, prefer well trimmed horses. But never take sensory whiskers or inner ear hair. Everything else is fair game!

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Never take sensory hairs off or inner ear. I’ve won plenty of showing classes including turn out and condition with whiskers on albeit not professional HOYS type classes. Professional Judges have never mentioned it.

 

[Griffin]

I would never remove sensory whiskers, horses need them. I wouldn't remove inner ear hair either.

 

[AandK]

I have, in the past, taken off nose whiskers but that was because I didn't know any better. I will clip the face, but leave inner ear hair, and all face whiskers as they are quite important. I actually prefer a full whiskery face these days too!

 

[sharni]

on, always, all horses. trimming them is banned in some countries on welfare grounds, should be banned here too.

 

[Leandy]

On. Doesn't prevent me clipping the whole head but just don't overzealously remove the whiskers and yes also leave inner ear hair and trim the edges for a neat finish, that is necessary to protect the ear.

 

[ThreeWBs]

I have just removed my old boys whiskers around his nose and mouth. He was constantly headshaking because of flies touching them. Since then, nothing - he's much happier and doesn't seems to bump into anything!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

On. Always on. There is no need to take them off for the sake of appearances!

 

[AFB]

I never take whiskers off & to trim ears I push the ear closed & just trim the excess, nothing more from the inside (or outside, ear clipping is not allowed by my gelding!)

That said I don't show, jumping is much more fun IMO!

 

[rara007]

On. It’s even illegal in a few countries to take them off. There’s just no need.

 

[irishdraft]

I only ever clip to the bridle line as I mainly hunt I've never taken any whiskers off

 

[Quigleyandme]

Whiskers on! Taking them off is just a stupid outdated fashion.

 

[GSD Woman]

I always cared more for my horse's comfort than what a local judge thought. I left inner ear hair, I don't remember taking whiskers off.

 

[gingergreg]

I think they look smarter without whiskers but I do leave them on. The poodles have theirs off, it's unavoidable if they have a traditional trim and clean face.

 

[Winters100]

in my opinion on - please! It is so much kinder

 

[shortstuff99]

I leave everything on, because I'm a lazy bum and I can't be bothered to always be trimming etc ?. I don't trim manes or bath horses either (although they are always super shiny as they have natural oils).

 

[Apercrumbie]

There's a reason they have them in the first place - on!

 

[maggiestar]

I think they look smarter without whiskers but I do leave them on. The poodles have theirs off, it's unavoidable if they have a traditional trim and clean face.

It's entirely avoidable. Just trim around them! Dogs need their whiskers too.

 

[Surbie]

On. Always. I'm another who thinks taking them off should be banned.

 

[joosie]

ON.
Other countries have banned trimming whiskers and with good reason.
There's no excuse.

 

[Turitea]

Why is this even a question? Of course you do not trim or cut off whiskers and inner ear hair.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I never cut whiskers it's not allowed in Arab showing any way all tactile hair must be left natural.

 

[Baccara]

ON

 

[Suncat]

This thread put a smile on my face H&H folks - when I saw the question my heart sank a bit, but seeing all the responses made me think maybe we humans aren't too bad at learning and challenging traditions we don't need

 

[tristar]

never chop off anything nature put on, they are there for a reason

 

[BeckyFlowers]

never chop off anything nature put on, they are there for a reason

What about testicles?

 

[Ponyhugger]

Please leave them on. They're there for a reason. Quote from my vet book " The whiskers of the muzzle are used for sensory purposes and should NOT be trimmed or clipped ".